Yes, Tutor.com is great when you need some help with homework but it is so much more. Get help with resumes, test prep, GED, essays, science projects and the list goes on. Live tutors are available from 3:00pm to 11:00pm daily, other site resources are available 24/7.

Summer Learning Track: Afternoons on the Porch

Summers were insanely busy when I was a kid. I was involved in scouting, community theater, and band. My poor mother was always on the move. If I wasn't at summer camp, one of my siblings was at vacation bible school. That's not to say that I didn't enjoy theater and arts camp -- I did. But, what I really loved was the time between; time spent sitting on my granparents' porch with a book and a glass of tea. Required reading wasn't quite so bad when I could hear a breeze in the trees and pause at the end of a chapter to chat with my grandfather while he grilled. And even when the heat was obnoxious, I was lucky because my grandparents had a ceiling fan on their porch.

I have my own porch now, with a ceiling fan, and I'm looking forward to lots of reading and spending time with my loved ones. I'm thinking a subdued dinner of crisp salad and a glass of wine with my better half, a French toast and mimosa brunch with friends, and a frigid glass of tea after working in my yard. And lots of reading, of course.

I'm sure by now you're thinking, "That sounds great. But what does this have to do with the Summer Learning Challenge?" Everything. Richland Library has so many great resources to make your downtime special: books and music, cooking classes, writer's groups, and opportunities to learn things you always wanted to know. The great thing about the Summer Learning Challenge is that it's whatever you want to make it. If you want to make yours about the time you spend on the porch, here are some ideas to get you started. And don't forget to check back for some fantastic programs in July and August.

Amazon Says: A refreshing collection of perfect warm-weather cocktails When entertaining friends, it's best to know what works when.Mr. Boston Summer Cocktails gives you tons of fresh idea more...

Amazon Says: A refreshing collection of perfect warm-weather cocktails When entertaining friends, it's best to know what works when.Mr. Boston Summer Cocktails gives you tons of fresh ideasfor keeping cool with refreshing cocktails that are perfect forwarm weather. Mr. Boston has been the go-to guide for bartenders sincethe end of Prohibition, so why would you turn anywhere else for thebest ideas in summertime entertaining? Get your backyard barbecuescooking with more than 100 cool recipes to chill out with friends.Illustrated with beautiful photos that will leave you thirsting formore, these recipes range from classics like the Singapore Sling tocontemporary drinks like the Cherry Caipirinha. Also, discovertrade secrets from some of the best bar chefs to ensure that yourdrinks are perfectly prepared and served. * More than 100 drink recipes from dozens of the world's topcocktail experts * Packed with innovative, uncomplicated recipes, simpleinstructions, and inviting photographs * Most recipes feature fresh seasonal ingredients and brightsummertime flavors that make perfect thirst-quenchers Fire up the grill and stock up on ice. With Mr. Boston SummerCocktails in hand you'll be ready to party, with recipes andserving ideas that will turn your backyard into everybody'sfavorite destination. less...

Amazon Says: "Mindy's salads are just the sort I like to make a meal of. Her book is brimming with good practices, exciting recipes and beautiful photography." So says celebrated cookbook more...

Amazon Says: "Mindy's salads are just the sort I like to make a meal of. Her book is brimming with good practices, exciting recipes and beautiful photography." So says celebrated cookbook author, Heidi Swanson, of Mindy Fox's brand new collection of truly extraordinary and inspiring salad recipes. Filled with 100 gorgeous photographs and creative easy recipes such as Green Melon, Cubanelle Peppers and Ricotta Salata; Red Kale Caeser with Mustard Croutons and Smoked Trout; Potato Salad with Melted Leeks and Blue Cheese; and Peanut Soba and Chicken Salad with Lime, Salads: Beyond the Bowl shows you just how beautiful and nourishing a life of great salad eating can be. Fox's book is filled with healthy recipes, yes - but equally exciting is that, thorough this book, Fox show us just how delicious and show-stopping a well-made salad can be. Inspired by seasonal offerings, Fox pairs produce of all sorts with grains, beans, legumes, cheeses, fish and meat to create extraordinary salads that serve as starter or main dishes for everyday eating, whether at brunch, lunch or dinner. Like every facet of cooking, making a truly extraordinary salad involves a little craft and basic know-how. In Salads: Beyond the Bowl, Fox gives vegetarians and meat-eaters alike the basics of great salad-making, then offers a collection of 100 recipes for inspired salads, with flavor nuances from a variety of cuisines. less...

Amazon Says: Now you can enjoy the food and fun of a meze feast. Meze, the small plates of just about everything from seafood, meat, and vegetables to handheld pies, colorful salads, nuts, more...

Amazon Says: Now you can enjoy the food and fun of a meze feast. Meze, the small plates of just about everything from seafood, meat, and vegetables to handheld pies, colorful salads, nuts, olives, and cheeses, is the food of hospitality and conviviality, food meant to be shared with friends and family and savored with wines and spirits.Here, in Meze, Diane Kochilas, the award-winning author of The Glorious Foods of Greece, chef, restaurateur, and cooking teacher, takes you on a spirited journey across Greece and the rest of the Mediterranean, exploring these simple and simply irresistible dishes. The recipes are robust, dear, and easy to follow. These uncomplicated dishes are charged with flavor and based on fresh, accessible ingredients. The results are spectacular.Meze makes every meal a party, and no one knows how to throw a party better than the Greeks. Youll find tangy, skewered meats and juicy meatballs, delicious seafood dishes from simple steamed mussels to creamy ouzo-flavored shrimp. You'll find a healthful selection of aromatic bean dishes, and a recipe for the best fried potatoes in the world, Greek fries, which are hand cut and cooked in olive oil.The convivial and festive nature of the meze table is reflected in Diane's warm, inviting style. The innate attractiveness of the food -- the colors, textures, and shapes -- are captured in brilliant photographs that evoke the sunny, warm Mediterranean dime. Whether you make just a few dishes for informal entertaining, or create an entire meal of meze, Diane Kochilas makes it possible to bring the spirit of fun and sharingthe essence of meze throughout Greece and the Mediterranean -- to your own table at home. less...

Amazon Says: On a warm evening, there’s no greater pleasure than gathering around the backyard picnic table and enjoying a great meal with family and friends: pitchers of lemonade, a big more...

Amazon Says: On a warm evening, there’s no greater pleasure than gathering around the backyard picnic table and enjoying a great meal with family and friends: pitchers of lemonade, a big bowl of potato salad, a platter piled high with freshly grilled burgers. Now, dining alfresco gets even better, thanks to Country Living Cookouts. With ideas for appetizers, salads, entrées, drinks, desserts, and even condiments, it serves up 90 delicious recipes for everything from simple family dinners to celebratory neighborhood parties. The delectable choices range from well-loved classics to new favorites, including Sage Buttered Corn on the Cob, Chicago-Style Ale-Brined Frankfurters, Herb-Stuffed Grilled Trout, and Praline Ice Cream. Country Living writes the book on putting together a terrific outdoor meal. less...

eMagazines are electronic subscriptions to current popular and specialty titles downloaded through our eMagazine partner, Zinio. Richland Library offers hundreds of eMagazines free for the downloading. eMagazines are available for...